Job Profile: Program Manager, Nonprofit Organization

In larger associations, there might be a number of operations specialty managers, each of whom is responsible for part of the organization’s operations. In a small association, executives are likely to direct many or all of these functions themselves and be required to wear many hats at one time. The most common type of operations specialty managers in advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations is social and community service managers, who plan, organize, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. They oversee the program or organization’s budget and polices regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers. Larger organizations employ a variety of business and financial operations specialists.

Salary Information

The Nonprofit Times Annual Salary Survey reported the following average total compensation in 2006:

Degrees in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences meet most employers’ requirements.

As of 2006, more than 250 colleges and universities offered courses on the management of nonprofit organizations. In addition, about 70 programs offered noncredit courses in fundraising and nonprofit management and more than 50 programs offered continuing education courses. About 119 schools offered at least one course for undergraduate credit and more than 90 were affiliated with American Humanics (an alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations preparing undergraduates for careers with youth and human service agencies).

In 2006, there were more than 90 master’s degree programs, usually in business administration or in public administration, with a focus on nonprofit or philanthropic studies. About 160 colleges and universities had at least one course related to management of nonprofits within a graduate department. Of these programs, more than 110 offered a graduate degree with a concentration in the management of nonprofit organizations and about 40 offered one or two graduate courses, usually in financial management and generic nonprofit management.

Job Outlook

Wage and salary jobs in advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations are projected to increase 13 percent over the 2006-16 period.